Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
The Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA) presented its 11th Inaugural Lecture to the public on Wednesday.
This year’s Inaugural Lecture titled, “Biodiversity Conservation for sustainable economic development in a post COVID-19 Era: Dress It And Keep It, For This Is The Whole Duty Of Man”, was delivered by famous Nigerian Ecologist, Dr. Dauda Tanko, a Professor of Wildlife Conservation and ecology at the Federal University, Lokoja.
The Inaugural Lecture held at the College of health sciences Auditorium of the University, highlighted the economic benefits and significance of the Wildlife Conservation management approach to national economic growth and development.
According to Professor Tanko, Nigeria’s ecological landscape is endowed with vast natural resources that are capable of transforming its economy if the Nation had put in place an effective policy strategy towards harnessing Nigeria’s eco-tourism potential for global economic competitiveness.
Prof. Tanko, calls on the federal government of Nigeria to ensure the reorientation of citizens on Wildlife Conservation Management Practices that will involve a Community-based approach, and redirection of Nigeria’s Conservation Policy to achieve sustainable economic development of the tourism sector.
The Ecologist, adds that “Some endangered bird species in the world that are in extinction, can be found in Nigerian Forests, and Kagoro Forest in Kaduna State is a massive natural resource that is underutilized in Nigeria.”
He notes that Nigeria would in no distant time overcome its security and economic challenges if it shifts attention to the review of the Nation’s Conservation policy strategy to upscale investment in the tourism sector so as to derive its maximum economic gains.
VC Prof Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, FHSN, announced that FULokoja would establish its ecological and zoological garden in Lokoja this year to give the residents of Kogi State the opportunity to view live animals and birds in their natural habitat to create a sense of interest in biodiversity conservation that will promote love for Wildlife protection in the ecological forests in Nigeria.
Akinwumi says he is overjoyed that under his administration, nine out of the 11th Inaugural Lectures so far organized by the University since inception, have been organized consistently under his stewardship as many more Inaugural Lectures are in the lineup for public presentation in line with the culture of academic excellence which the University is known for.
“Our inaugural lectures have now entered the second circle of their ten-year journey. I am overjoyed because we have continued to achieve great success in all aspects.
“As we focus on infrastructural development, we will continue to prioritize academic culture and the quality of programs that will be fully driven by information and communication technology ICT.
“The last two years have demonstrated our struggles for visibility and excellence as we market the university daily.
“This administration recognizes the importance of diversification and collaboration as essential ingredients for achieving our vision of unprecedented progress for the university within a short period. This is reflected in the quality of our partnership with other higher institutions and organizations.
Collaboration has been a driving force in increasing competence and promoting our academic culture, which has led us to this 11th Inaugural Lecture,” Akinwumi added.
